Comparison of oral health-related quality of life in a group of 19-year-old patients with or without previous orthodontic treatment

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of orthodontic treatment on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) several years after orthodontic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with previous orthodontic treatment and 31 patients without previous orthodontic treatment, aged 19 years, were included in the study. A questionnaire consisting of three parts was used: The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-S14), Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS-20) and Orofacial Aesthetic Scale (OES). Previous orthodontic treatment, malocclusions and earlier dental treatment were registered. RESULTS: There were statistical differences between the orthodontic group and the control group regarding the total OHIP-S14 (p = 0.03) and the total OES (p = 0.028), as subjects in the control group indicated less satisfaction. There were non-statistical differences between the two groups regarding the JFLS-20. When divided into the four domains of OHIP-14, only the psychosocial domain showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.006). No association was found between the decayed, missing and filled teeth index and total OHIP, total JFSL or total OES in both groups. CONCLUSION: Nineteen-year-old individuals who had undergone orthodontic treatment have a significantly better OHRQoL when compared to individuals without need for orthodontic treatment, specifically in the psychosocial and aesthetic domains.